Crime
Video shows moments Jordan Parisien shot and killed by Belcourt police officer in Turtle Mountains
LaCounte stated that Parisien had been driving erratically, repeatedly performing U-turns on Highway 5 in what appeared to be an attempt to get officers to pursue him.
Authorities have released additional information about the fatal officer-involved shooting of Jordan Parisien in Belcourt, North Dakota.
The incident, which occurred on the Turtle Mountain Reservation, is under investigation by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Video evidence has surfaced showing the moments leading up to the death of Jordan Parisien, who was shot and killed by law enforcement.
According to Alysia LaCounte, general counsel for the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, an investigation has revealed that all gunfire in the incident originated from law enforcement, and no shots were fired by Parisien.
LaCounte stated that Parisien had been driving erratically, repeatedly performing U-turns on Highway 5 in what appeared to be an attempt to get officers to pursue him.
Three officers responded to the scene.
One officer reportedly drew their weapon and instructed Parisien to exit his vehicle.
At this time, it remains unclear what prompted the officer to discharge their weapon or how many shots were fired.
An earlier statement from Turtle Mountain Tribal Chairman Jamie Azure indicated that the officers were responding to a report of a suicidal man armed with a firearm at a residence on the reservation.
The initial statement also suggested that shots were exchanged between Parisien and law enforcement; however, subsequent information from LaCounte has clarified that no exchange of gunfire occurred.
Parisien was fatally wounded during the incident, which occurred on Highway 5, west of Belcourt, around 10:30 a.m. on Sunday. Tribal Chairman Azure emphasized that this was an isolated incident and assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to safety.
The scene was immediately secured, and the investigation was turned over to the BIA and FBI, who are now working to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The fatal shooting of Jordan Parisien has raised questions about the use of lethal force in this situation. Tribal authorities are committed to transparency as the investigation unfolds, and additional information is expected to be released in the coming days.
Tribal officials and law enforcement agencies are urging the public to remain patient as investigators review all evidence, including video footage, to determine the facts of the case.
Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
Crime
Armed Man with Reported Mental Health Concerns Arrested inside U.S. Capitol
Police officer suspended after failing to stop an armed man entering the U.S. Capitol.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, January 21, the United States Capitol Police (USCP) responded to a security alert regarding a man reportedly experiencing mental health issues and suicidal thoughts, who was believed to be armed and in the vicinity of the Capitol.
At approximately 1:15 p.m., USCP officers located the suspect’s vehicle on First Street near East Capitol Street, NE.
A subsequent search of the area determined that the individual had recently entered the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) and participated in a Capitol tour.
At around 2:15 p.m., officers observed the man exiting the Library of Congress following the tour and walking toward his vehicle.
He was intercepted, searched, and taken into custody. A concealed 9mm handgun was discovered in his waistband during the search.
The suspect, identified as 27-year-old James A. Faber of Massachusetts, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including:
- Unlawful Activities
- Carrying a Pistol Without a License
- Possession of an Unregistered Firearm
- Unlawful Possession of Ammunition
- Resisting Arrest
The case is currently under review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Following a review of security footage, it was determined that Faber entered the Capitol Visitor Center through the south checkpoint. Although the magnetometer alarm was triggered, an officer conducted a secondary hand search and subsequently allowed him entry into the building.
As a result of this lapse, the officer involved has been placed on administrative suspension pending an internal investigation by the USCP’s Office of Professional Responsibility to assess their performance in handling the security screening.
Authorities have stated that, at this time, there is no indication that Faber intended to harm members of Congress or any individuals within the Capitol complex.
In response to the incident, the USCP has ordered a comprehensive review of security protocols and mandated refresher training for all personnel involved in visitor screening to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
“The United States Capitol Police demands the highest standards in security screening procedures to ensure the safety of all individuals within the Capitol complex. A thorough review is already underway to reinforce our protocols and training,” the agency stated.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported in connection with this incident.